This thesis explores the application of a modular execution environment, specifically utilizing the Move Virtual Machine (MoveVM), within a blockchain-agnostic framework. The study aims to demonstrate how this modular approach can enhance the execution capability of existing blockchain systems. The case study focuses on the IOTA Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), known for its unique Tangle architecture, which differentiates it from traditional blockchain technologies.

The research begins by detailing the current limitations in existing blockchain platforms, such as their dependence on specific consensus algorithms and rigid execution environments. It then introduces the MoveVM, developed firstly by the Libra (Diem) project and now by the projects Sui and Aptos, highlighting its advantages in terms of security, programmability, and modularity.

By integrating an object-flavored MoveVM into the IOTA framework, the study examines how the modular smart contract execution environment can operate almost independently of the underlying ledger. The work for this thesis was conducted in two main parts. In the first part, a prototype was created by integrating a modified version of the existing IOTA node software with an object-flavored Move execution environment. In the second part, a Move Swap smart contract was developed at the application layer to showcase the system's ability to support an advanced intent-based architecture. This approach, which executes based on user intents rather than declarative smart contract commands, offers significant economic benefits and reduces unnecessary costs for users.

To validate the effectiveness of this approach, the thesis presents empirical data and performance metrics gathered from various test scenarios. The results demonstrate the successful integration of the Move smart contract execution into the IOTA node software, but also significant improvements resource efficiency thanks to the intent-based architecture.

In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on blockchain technology by showcasing the potential of MoveVM in enhancing the functionality and performance of blockchain-agnostic networks. Moreover, the findings suggest that the intent-based approach not only simplifies user interactions but also enables advanced functionalities and custom on-chain VMs, paving the way for innovative applications in DLTs.